Clean sweep coming to Hot Springs

City residents, take note: Operation Clean Sweep will soon be in the Richard Street neighborhood. In a multi-departmental effort to address code violations in target neighborhoods, Operation Clean Sweep begins Monday, November 7 in the neighborhood bordered by Seventh Street, Hot Springs Memorial Field, the railroad tracks and Leonard Street, which falls within city district 4. The three-step program includes education, cleanup and enforcement. Throughout the first week, 2-person teams from the city’s Neighborhood Services Division will go door to door dropping off informational packets. These packets contain important information concerning various city services offered during and after operation clean sweep. The packets will also include a notice of violation for properties identified as having a violation of the city’s residential property maintenance ordinance.

During the second week, beginning on Monday, November 14, cleanup will begin. The Sanitation Department’s CAPS (Clean, Attractive Property Service) truck will visit the neighborhood daily, collecting items placed curbside by residents. The city street sweeper will also be used. Alternative Service workers from Hot Springs District Court will augment the cleanup efforts. Residents can recognize their presence as they operate from a van marked “Litter Crew.”

Beginning the week of November 21, Neighborhood Services inspectors will follow up on the notices of violation issued in week one. Inspectors will revisit the area writing tickets to addresses with remaining violations. The police department will provide additional patrols in the neighborhood targeting drug activity. Animal Services will assist with any animal issues arising from door-to-door visits and inspections. For more information, contact Neighborhood Services, 321-6857.